Barley soup is a very healthy meal and is very nutritious and healthy for the body as well. Being sticky and having a deep taste, barley complements vegetables, herbs, and even meat, so this soup is suitable for any time of the year. Here is how you can prepare a tasty barley soup that will make you want to have more of it even when you are not cold.
Ingredients
- 1 cup barley – Pearl barley has a softer texture while hulled barley has a chewier texture and a little more fiber.
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth – This will be your base of your soup and it will give it a lot of flavor.
- 1 large onion – Finely diced to add a savory sweetness.
- 2 carrots – Peeled and sliced for natural sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks – Sliced to add crunch and a mild, refreshing flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic – Minced for an extra kick.
- 1 large potato – Cubed, for added heartiness.
- 1 cup mushrooms – Optional but highly recommended for that earthy and meaty taste.
- 1 bay leaf – Adds a subtle herbal note.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme – For garnish and added aroma.
- Olive oil or butter – For sautéing.
Instructions
- Prepare the Barley
- Wash the barley under cold running water to wash off any dust or any other form of impurities that may be present. Drain it and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt one tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium setting. Stir in the chopped onion and fry until it turns clear.
- Stir in the carrots, celery and garlic and continue stirring for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Add the Broth and Barley
- Finally, pour in the broth and add the rinsed barley into the pot. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to the lowest setting.
- Then add the bay leaf, and sprinkle some salt and pepper.
- Add the Potatoes and Mushrooms
- About 15 minutes later put in a cubed potato and mushrooms. Potatoes will make it creamy while mushrooms will give it an earthy taste.
- Stir and let it cook for another 20-30 minutes or until barley and vegetables are cooked through.
- Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Garnish
- Strain the soup into bowls and discard the bay leaf and serve the hot soup. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or thyme to make it tasty and enhanced with the fresh aroma of herbs.
Serving Suggestions
This barley soup is best served with crusts of bread or a simple green salad. If you would like a more filling soup, you can add shredded chicken, pieces of beef or beans to the soup.
Nutritional Benefits
- Barley is known to contain fiber, vitamins and minerals; it is particularly high in selenium, phosphorus, copper and manganese. It’s a great addition to the diet for healthy functioning of the heart and to keep blood glucose levels in check.
- Vegetables improve the nutritional value of the meal because they contain anti oxidants, vitamins and minerals.
- Broth is not only tasty but also gives the fluids, minerals and if prepared with bones, collagen as well.
Here is your home made barley soup, a tasty and healthy meal that will sure fill you up.